Summer is a time to relax, but if you’re set on hosting shindigs for your friends and family, it can become a tad stressful. If you need some summer entertaining help, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best summer entertaining products, from sound systems and ice holders to drink additions and flatware. Whether you’re looking for something small and simple, like an ice tray, to something grander, like a new bar fixture, we’ve got you covered.
Stone Drink Dispenser
Key Selling Point: Crafted from beach stone, granite, and equipped with a stainless-steel tap, this sturdy bar fixture will easily store and dispense your favorite spirit while also making an aesthetic statement.
If you plan to make some cocktails this summer, the Stone Drink Dispenser is an addition that will surely “wow” your guests. Simply place your favorite bottle of whisky, gin, tequila, or wine upside down into the dispenser, and let it do the work for you. Re-cork the bottle with the fixture’s plug and insert it into the stone, then gently pull the cord to remove the cork. Then, you, a mixologist, or an eager guest will use the gorgeous stone handle to start and stop pouring. This is a really simple way to elevate your bar experience!
Handmade Chip and Dip Serving Bowl
Key Selling Point: This gorgeous bowl has been expertly designed to keep your sauces and dip separate.
The Handmade Chip and Dip Serving Bowl is a way to upgrade your sports viewing nosh table. Instead of having tons of bowls separated for chips and dip, pita and hummus, celery and peanut butter, why not keep your snacks integrated? Fear not, your food will not become soggy thanks to this clever invention that keeps both parts separated. This serving bowl is not only practical, but it’s beautifully designed. Handcrafted by potter Steven Nedza, each piece is glazed and fired to be one-of-a-kind.
Houdini Crushed Ice Tray
Key Selling Point: This ice tray will serve you 160 perfectly uniform mini cubes to keep you refreshed all summer long.
The Houdini Crushed Ice Tray is a must for those who crave ice cold water or other freezing drinks. Made out of silicone and able to hold 4.8 ounces at a time, the tray also is smartly designed with handles to help you move it from the sink to the freezer and back. Use regular water or get fancy with some lemon-flavored spa water or even coffee (hello… coffee cubes!). Cleaning is a cinch as you can toss this tray into the upper level of your dishwasher without a problem. At only $8, there’s no reason to not snag a few of these.
Reduce Ice Bucket
Key Selling Point: This bucket can preserve ice for up to 48 hours thanks to its dual-wall, vacuum-insulated body and grooved inner base.
The Reduce Ice Bucket is a no-brainer for those itching to stay out in the sun this summer. Bring along your champagne, wine, beer, lemonade, or other refreshing drink and store it in the bucket to stay cool for up to 48 hours. The bucket comes equipped with ice tongs and a transparent lid that both keeps the cold inside, and also provides a perfect resting place for the tongs. The bucket has a capacity of 90 ounces, and weighs only 2.8 pounds, making it incredibly easy to bring to your backyard event, the beach, or wherever you may be! It can be easily cleaned after use by placing it in the top rack of your dishwasher.
Bose Portable Smart Speaker with WiFi and Bluetooth
Key Selling Point: This wireless home speaker is compatible with Apple, Amazon Alexa, and Android and functions over Bluetooth when not in a WiFi area.
Bose delivers yet again with their Portable Smart Speaker, which provides 360 degrees of excellent sound and powerful bass. If you’re used to voice functionality, you’ll be thrilled to know that Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are built in; and if you prefer non-voice mechanisms, you can control the speaker with touch or via the Bose Music app on your phone. This speaker is water-resistant, durable, and the battery will keep you listening to all the greatest hits for up to 12 hours at a time. It requires one non-universal lithium ion battery, which is included, and charges in only 2.5 hours. The USB connection makes it simple to charge on the go. It comes in two sleek colors — black and silver — and is a clutch item to have on hand for any summer jams that may arise.
Espresso Martini Kit
Key Selling Point: This kit by Salut is all-encompassing and filled with a plethora of high-quality ingredients to allow that special someone to make their favorite espresso cocktail or mocktail.
It’s no secret that espresso martinis are trending right now, so why not gift a gorgeous kit full of impeccable ingredients? This espresso martini kit’s ingredients feature 100 percent Arabica coffee beans, organic pitted dates and oranges, and an organic Ceylon cinnamon stick. The kit also includes a premium gift box, espresso martini infusion bottle (which makes up to 10 servings), a gold strainer, ice cube tray, recipe card, and a postcard. Anyone can become a mixologist with this gift!
Berry Beautiful Infusion Pack
Key Selling Point: This infusion pack by Salut will elevate your run-of-the-mill water, cocktail, or mocktail drink with its delicious blend of organic strawberries, black currant tea, organic hibiscus flowers, organic goji berries, and monk fruit powder.
The Berry Beautiful Infusion Pack is a perfect way to complete your summer bar offerings. The infusions are made to elevate the taste of a drink — alcoholic or nonalcoholic. Add the infusions to a large glass and keep it refrigerated between one and five days, until the flavor is to your liking. Then strain and remove the fruit and herbs before serving. Try it with vodka, gin, bourbon or whiskey to create a unique cocktail, or add it into a simple glass of water or coconut water to transport yourself to a spa-like environment. Note that each Salut infusion pack can make up to 10 drinks. If you’re hoping to increase the amount of drinks served, simply add the appropriate number of Infusion Packs into a large glass container, and stir it up!
Fable Dinner Plates
Key Selling Point: The Dinner Plates by Fable are one-of-a-kind flatware made in the Tagus Valley region of Portugal with locally sourced and recycled clays.
Every good home needs a solid flatware set, and if you’re in the market for one, look no further than Fable’s The Dinner Plates collection. The plates are available in cloud white, blush pink, speckled white, dove gray, and midnight blue, and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The plates come in sets of four and feature a low rim, are easily stackable, and are dishwasher-, microwave-, and oven-safe. These plates are durable, and while like most flatware are susceptible to marks from cutlery, they can be easily polished if needed. One set of four is priced at $65, which is a great deal for this high level of quality.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’re in the thick of this gorgeous summer season, it’s time to get out there and enjoy ourselves. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or attending one, if you need to find a gift for a friend or simply want to treat yourself, there are tons of items out there that will allow you to entertain (or be entertained) in the best possible way. If you’re hosting a shindig, try out a new serving tray or drink fixture, and make sure your sound system is set for success. If you need to give a little something to a friend or family member who is hosting the party, why not opt for a martini kit or drink infusion? The options are limitless, but we especially recommend the products listed above. Happy summer!
This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.